Widening the Use of Sport as a Tool for HIV/AIDS Prevention

Dec 12, 2015 07:41 AM EST

(Photo : Credit: Martin Rose - FIFA / Contributor) Grassroot Soccer, an international sport for development program based in Zambia and South Africa that implemented and combine soccer and HIV/AIDS education program, found that players developed better resiliency through playing sports.
(Photo by Martin Rose - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

About 1.2 million people who are living are positive with HIV in the US. With around 659,000 deaths from AIDS-related illnesses since the start of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, according to AVERT. Internationally, world leaders are committed to achieve 17 Global Goals, with the slogan "Good Health and Well-Being" to be ranked as third, this is one of the targets to end the epidemic of AIDS by 2030.

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The sport for development sector can play a role in educating youth about the power of sport, by recreational activities and providing mentors and activities that keep their focus in physical and mental activities. Sexual health and HIV/AIDS education can allow the youth to be empowered with knowledge, build informed decisions before partaking in a risky actions, and think twice before getting involved in any sexual acts or drug use.

According to Huffington Post, there are varying policies about sexual health education and HIV/AIDS education throughout US. 22 states and the District of Columbia that require public schools to teach sex education (which 20 of it is mandate including HIV education). Also 33 states and the District of Columbia require students to learn about HIV/AIDS. It is important to take note that not all 50 states are required to teach students about sexual health education and HIV/AIDS, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures

Internationally, most people are aware that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is a global issue. A new study conducted with Grassroot Soccer, an international sport for development program based in Zambia and South Africa that implemented and combine soccer and HIV/AIDS education program, found that players developed better resiliency through playing sports.

According to Sportanddev.org, "the role of sports coaches acts as role models and mentors had proved that using sports is a vital component of HIV/AIDS prevention is since they provide support and guidance for these youth during a difficult times in their lives."

TagsSports, HIV/AIDS prevention, sex education, Physical activity, Grassroot soccer